«Argentina» hands over the number 10 shirt to Niko Pazga
Argentina national team head coach Lionel Scaloni has determined who will wear the number 10 shirt after Lionel Messi concludes his international career. One.uz reports on this.
According to Federico Bueno, an insider for ESPN Argentina, the coaching staff has reached a firm decision on this matter, and it is expected that this heavy burden will be passed to Nico Paz in the future. Goal.com reports on this.
Messi and Otamendi are scheduled to end their careers with the national team after the 2026 World Cup. Therefore, the beginning of a new era for the Argentina team and the process of generational transition are being discussed.
Although experienced stars like Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister remain in the squad, Scaloni chose 21-year-old midfielder Nico Paz for the number 10 shirt. The successor of the future and Scaloni's contract Nico Paz, who currently plays under the number 18 shirt for Italy's Como club, is set to become the owner of the number 10 shirt according to internal plans, provided Scaloni signs a new contract intended to last until 2030.
Federico Bueno emphasizes, "If Scaloni extends his contract, the number 10 shirt will go to Nico Paz. This issue has already been resolved within the team and is being taken very seriously."
Historic number and new call-ups Lionel Messi wore the national team's number 10 shirt for 17 years. He first wore this number in March 2009 under Diego Maradona's leadership and set an absolute record by playing 172 matches for the national team.
He has surpassed Maradona, Ariel Ortega, Juan Román Riquelme, and Marcelo Gallardo in this statistic. Nico Paz, on the other hand, performed with 13 goals and 7 assists under the number 10 shirt for Como and played a crucial role in the team's qualification for the Champions League.
The current September-October autumn match preparation process is serving as an important test task for undergoing tactical changes after the departure of the 2014 World Cup legend. Source: One.uz.
